A McAllen Rowe High School football player, Adan De La Cruz, remains hospitalized after a serious injury sustained at a pool party over the weekend. The incident, described by the McAllen school district as a “tragic accident,” is currently under investigation by the McAllen Police Department.
Police have arrested 51-year-old Jaime Islas and his son, both of whom face charges of furnishing alcohol to minors. The arrests were made Sunday morning, following a back-to-school pool party at a residence on North Bentsen Road where De La Cruz was critically injured. A cellphone video posted on social media shows De La Cruz attempting to jump from the roof of the house into the backyard pool but slipping and falling onto the cement below.
Investigation and Charges
McAllen police confirmed that the charges against Islas and his son are linked to the “tragic accident” at the pool party. Police responded to the residence at approximately 11:39 p.m. on Saturday after receiving reports of the incident. Upon arrival, officers observed “large amounts of various alcoholic beverages” at the scene. Both Islas and his son were taken into custody after being suspected of providing access to alcoholic drinks to minors, including De La Cruz.
A Community in Support
A prayer vigil originally planned for Sunday night at Nikki Rowe stadium was canceled out of respect for De La Cruz’s family. The event was later rescheduled for Monday as a group gathering to show support for the injured athlete. The McAllen Independent School District announced that counselors would be available on campus for students on Monday and beyond.
De La Cruz's Legacy
Adan De La Cruz, a senior at Nikki Rowe High School, is a three-year letterman at linebacker and a top returning senior starter for the 2024 season. His football prowess earned him a First Team All-District 15-5A DI selection as a junior last season, where he led the team with 82 total tackles and five tackles for loss in 10 games.
Ongoing Investigation
The McAllen Police Department is asking anyone with information about the case to call McAllen Crime Stoppers at (956) 687-8477. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can also submit information through the smartphone application P3 Tips. While the investigation continues, the police are expected to release more information in the coming days.
A Call to Action
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of underage drinking and the importance of responsible behavior. It's crucial that parents, educators, and community members work together to address these issues and ensure the safety of our youth. As we await further updates on De La Cruz's condition, we join the community in extending our thoughts and prayers to him, his family, and friends during this difficult time.
